Postby TriP » February 10th, 2016, 8:12 pm
Joey Lewis 1937-2016
A Tribute to Pal Joey Lewis 1937-2016
I have followed Joey Lewis and his band, Pal Joey Lewis and Orchestra, since he released the tune The Peanut Vendor in the 1960s- I believe it was in 1962. That is when I first heard of him and heard his music. In those days Joey Lewis and his band played in the style of the Dutchy Brothers. In fact, to my memory, both bands followed the style of Latin American musicians, who had a strong influence on the bands’ style of playing music. In fact, the song, The Peanut Vendor, was composed by a Cuban musician, Moisés Simon, who also composed the well-known song, Guantanamera.
It is noteworthy that while the Dutchy Bros broke up in late 1960s, Joey Lewis and his band live on. His has been the last band of this type to span all of the decades from the 1960s to present. That is a highly commendable accomplishment and accolades are due to Joey Lewis for his leadership and deep love for music that sees his band succeed for over 60 years. Indeed, his band continues even after his passing. I recall other big dance bands of his era like Byron Lee and the Dragonaires from Jamaica and Watty Watkins, among others. Those were grand days of dance bands.
Joey Lewis has therefore been a long-standing musician and leader of a full and successful orchestra. Like many other fans of Pal Joey Lewis, I felt the need to mark his passing by paying tribute to his excellent contribution to the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago and to the development and sustaining of enterprising and uplifting cultural expressions as well. It is well known that Joey Lewis had his own studio and that he was a major launching point for many musicians and calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago. Such a great contribution warrants noting, emulating and applause.
An enduring memory that I have of Pal Joey Lewis is when he and the orchestra traveled to Cuba with a cultural team along with members of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This team also included Machel Montano. The cultural team’s visit coincided with the end of a 6-week study tour of Cuba by the then emerging dance band, Divine Echoes. There was a closing event at the renowned Jose Marti Theatre in Havana. Divine Echoes played at the event and afterwards Pal Joey Lewis and Orchestra had a party. I recall this as a very grand time!!
As a lover of music and dancing, I have been especially entertained by the many compositions from Joey Lewis. It is highly commendable how he took the time to compose so much beautiful music over the years. He was not content to play the music composed by others. His many compositions have been and will always be a fixture at any family and friends gathering hosted by my wife and I. It is my hope that the Orchestra will continue in success and prominence in an era where music of that genre is greatly needed. To the family and friends of Pal Joey Lewis, I extend sincere and deepest condolences, from my family and I, at this time of great loss for you all.
Patrick Manning
...tankz
